CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Gov. Joe Manchin has signed a bill that lays the groundwork for a new business court system in West Virginia.

House Speaker Rick Thompson says the law signed Thursday allows the state Supreme Court to set up business courts in multi-judge districts through existing circuit court resources.

Thompson says the law should result in a more efficient court system and an improved statewide business climate.

Among other bills signed was "Erin's Law," which increases the penalty for hit and run resulting in death. It is named for West Virginia University nursing student Erin Keener, who was killed in Fairmont in 2005 by a driver who then left the scene.

The bill increases the sentence upon conviction of one to five years in prison. Previously it was up to three years.